Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 31, Number 236, 23 September 1906 — Page 7

Page Seven A Romance of Love and Adventure That Is Ordinarily Told and Will Hold the Read i er's Attention From the Opening Chapter I) The People in the Story are Real and Not Puppets, and the Plot Plr. Tracy Has :-.--:'-':I 4 By LOUIS TRACY Copyright. 1903. by Edward J. Clode Wcven About Them is Host Ingenious .ormiag

The Richmorid Palladium, Sunday, Sept. 23, 1906;

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"Father, dear," said Iris solemnly, but Jn a voice free from all uncertainty, -my aT- .-need husband stnr-ds hre!

nVu'3Ul ,l,n;.;,1. I" J 'SM; of deitn. It wsm rut!-: 1 in tv,e pre'i11- 1 ,rut!Vvl Ir?, of God and has been b-er.M by I have Kias!e no compact with ence o; Ixrd Ventnor. lie Is a base and unworthy man. Did TOU but know the truth concerning h!i yon wcr.M not mention his name in the srce breath with mine. Would lie. Robert?" "Ke advipeil by me, ir Arthur, and you, too, Iris," In said. "This 13 no hour tor explniuitiuu.s. Leave me to deal with Lord Wntiior. I am content to trust the ultimate verdict to you, Sir Arthur. Yju will learn in due course all that h;!: h;ipr errel. Io on board. Iris. Meet Lord Ventnor as you would meet any other friend. You will not marry him, I know. I can trust j-ou. "I am very much obliged to you," murmured the baronet, who. notwithstanding hi- worry, wa far too experienced a m;"u of the world not to acknowledge the gorxl sense of this advice, no matter how ruilianly might be the guiae of the strange person who gave it. ''That Li settled, then," said Robert, laughing good uaturedly, for he well knew what a weird spectacle he must present to the bewildered old gentleman. liven Sir Arthur Deane was fascinated by the ragged and bain giant who carried himself so masterfully and helped everybody over the stile at the .right moment. lie tried to dwelop the change in the conversation. "Ily the way." -he said. "hw came you to be un the Sirdar? I have a list of all the passengers and crew, and ycur name does not appear therein." "Oh, that is easily accounted for. I shipped as' a steward in the name of liobert Jenks." "Kobert Jenks! A steward!" "Yes. That form:; some part of the promised explanation." Iris rapidly gathered the drift of her lover's wishes. "Come, father," she cried merrily. "I am aching to see what the ship's . stores, which you and Robert pin your faith to, can do for mo in the shape of garments. I have the utmost belief In the Iirltish navy, and even a skeptic should be convinced of its infallibility If II. M. Orient is able to provide a lady's outfit." " Sir Arthur Deane gladly availed himself of the proffered compromise, lie assisted Iris into the boat, though that active young person was far better able to support him, and a "word to the officer in command sent the gig flying back to the ship. Anstruther during a momentary delay made a small request on his own account. Lieutenant l'laydon, nearjy as big a man as Kobert, dispatched a note to his servant, and the gig speedily returned with a complete assortment of clothing and linen. The mau also brought a dressing case, with, the result that a dip in the bath ami ten minutes i:i the hands of an expert valet made Anstruther a new man. Acting under his advice, the bodies of the dead were thrown into the laproon, the wounded were collected in the hut. to be attended to by the ship's surgeon, and the prisoners were parade ed in front of Mir Jan, who identified every mau"-.aitd. found by counting heads that none was missing. .Kobert did not forget to write out a formal notice and fasten it to the rock. This .proceeding further mystified the othVers of the Orient, who had gradually formed a connected idea of the great fight' made by the shipwrecked pair. though Anstruther squirmed inwardly j when he thought of the manner in which Iris would picture the scene. As it was. lie bad the first innings, and j he did not fail to i:so the opportunity, j In the few torvo words which the inili- i tant. JJriOa be.. under.-lands he de- ; scribed the g'.ri'.-' fortitude, her unflagging cheorfalr.e .-. "her uncomplaining readiness, totlo rr..d dure. -When he' em:; .1, the first lieutenant, who co:nr.:'t::ed the b'Kits sent in pursuit of the ily'-v;- Dyaks the Orient F:tnk -b-Hii -sauspjr.s as soon as they v-re launched Munmed un the general verdict: "You do not need onr admiration, -CapUin Ar,tri:ther. Lach man of us. envies you t'rv: the bottom of his soul." "Tucre is an error about my rank."; he paid. "I did once hold a commission In the In. Han army, but I was court t inartiaied ar.d cashiered in Hongkong j vie.M cn a grave charge, and 1 hope some tiny t vh-ar mysoif. Meanwhile I .nc is mere civilian. It was only Miss 1 seine's generous sympathy which led her to mention my former rank. Mr. ITiydou,' Had another of the Orient's twelve j pout-der shells suddenly burst in the midst of the ktoup of oiiieers it would ive created less dismay than this unexpected avowal. Court martialed! Cashiered! None but a service man can grasp the uwfnl significance of those words to the commissioned ranks of the amy and navy. Anstruther well knew what he was doing. Somehow he found nothing hard In the performance of these penances now. Of i-ourM- the n.t:!;." truth must be revealed the moment Lord Ventnor heard his name. It was not fair to the rood fellows rowding around bin and offer fug every attention that the frank hospitality of the Iirltish sailor could suggest to permit the: a to adopt the tone of frieru'dy equality which rigid discipline it nothing e'.se would not allow them to maintain. The first lion tenant by reason of his rank was compel! -d to say something. "That is a devilish bad job, Mr. Anstruther," he blurted cut. "Well, ypu know I had to tell you." lie "smiled unaffectedly at the wondering circle. He. too. was an otTieer and appreciated their sentiments. They were jnfoiguediy sorry for him. a m&tx.

s traTe ana monest, suen a spieuum type of the soldier and gentleman, yet by their common law an outcast. Nor (raild ttifV wlio'lv nndm-stsrir" "Ma A a-

i meanor. There was a noble dignity In 1 . . WT,af,lVia Lis candor, a covetous Innocence that! fl,sdalnwl to sbIeId ltseif under a par-! ... ... tial truth. The first 1 ? Ati n f n -a E - V. . , ,l " , , '" -"- yuiaseu. "l j uuu uiin-i uutau ill lilt; snip eannot help but sympathize with yci. But whatever may he your record if yon were an escaped convict, Mr. Anstruther no one could withhold from you the praise deserved for your mag nificent stand against overwhelming odds. Our duty is plain. We will bring yon to Singapore, where the others will no doubt wish to go immediately. I will tell the captain what you have been good enough to acquaint us with. Meanwhile we will give you every assistance and er attention in our power." A murmur of approbation ran through the little circle. Robert's face paled somewhat. What first rate chaps they were, to be sure! "I can only thank you," he said unsteadily. "Your kindness is more trying than adversity." A rustle of silk, the Intrusion into the intent knot of men of a young lady in a Paris gown, a Paris hat, carrying a Trouville parasol and most exquisitely gloved and booted, made every one gasp. "Oh, Robert, dear, how could you? I actually didn't know j oul" Thus Iris, bewitchingly attired, was gazing now with provoking admiration at Robert, who certainly offered almost as great a contrast to his former state! as did the girl herself. He returned her look with interest. "Would any man believe," he laugh ed, "that clothes would do so much for a woman? "What a left handed compliment! But come, dearest. Captain Fitzroy and Lord Ventnor have come ashore with father and me. They want us to show them everything! You will excuse him, won't you?" she added, with a seraphic jmile to the others. Thej' walked off together. "Jimmy!" gasped a fat midshipman to a lanky youth.- "She's got on your togs!" Meaning that Iris had ransacked the Orient's theatrical wardrobe and pounced on the swell outfit of the principal female impersonator in the ship's company. CHAPTER XYI. lORD VEXTXOR was no' fool. L While Iris was transforming herself from a semisavage condition into a semblance of an ultra chic Parisienne, Sir Arthur Deane told the earl something of the state of affairs on the island. His lordship, a handsome, saturnine man. cool, insolently polite, counseled patience, toleration, even silent recognition of Anstruther's undoubted claims for services rendered. "She is an enthusiastic, high spirited girl," he urged upon his surprised hearer, who expected a very different expression of opinion. "This fellow Anstruther is a plausible sort of rascal, a good man in a tight place, too just the sort of fire eating blackguard who would fill the heroic bill where a fight is concerned. Hang him, he licked me twicerFurther amazement for the shipowner. "Yes. it's quite true. I interfered with his little games, and he gave me the usual reward of the devil's apothecary. Leave Iris alone. At present she is strung p to jin intense picU. o gratitude, having barely escaped a terrible fate. Let her come back to the normal. Anstruther's shadj- record must gradually leak out. That will disgust her. He is hard up cut off by his people and that sort of thing. There you probabl3" have the measure of his scheming. lie knows quite well that he can never marry your daughter. It is all a matter of price." Sir Arthur willingly allowed himself to be persuaded. At the back of his head there was an uneasy consciousness that it was not "all a matter of price." If it were he would never trust a man's face again. But Ventnor's well balanced arguments swayed him. The course indicated was the only decent one. It was humanly im possible for a mau to chide his daurhter and liout her rescuer within an hour of finding iern. Lord Ventnor played his cards with a deeper design. He bowed to the inevitable. Iris said she loved his rival. Very well. To attempt to dissuade her was to throw her more closely into that rival's arms. The right course was to appear resigned, saddened, compelled against his will to reveal the distressing truth. Further, he counted on Anstrutlser's quick temper as an active agent. Such a man Mould be the first to rebel against an assumption of pitying tolerance. He would bring bitter charges of . conspiracy, of unbelievable compact to secure his ruin. All this must recoil on his own head when the facts were laid bare. Not even the hero of the island could prevail against the terrible indictment of the court martial. Finally, at Singapore, three days distant. Colonel Costobell and his wife were staying. Lord Ventnor, alone of those on board, knew this. Indeed, he accompanied Sir Arthur Deane largely in order to break off a somewhat trying entanglement. He smiled complacently as he thought of the effect on Iris of Mrs. Costobell's Indignant remonstrances when the baronet asked that injured lady to tell the girl all that had happened at Hongkong. However, Lord Ventnor was most profoundly annoyed, and he cursed Anstruther from the depths of his heart. But he could see a way out. He came ashore with Iris and her father. The captain of the Orient also joined the party. The three men watched Kobert and the ffirb walking

toward them from tne group or omcers. "Anstruther is a smart looking fellow," commented Captain Fitzroy. "Who is he?" Truth to tell, the gallant commander of the Orient was secretly amazed by the metamorphosis effected In Robert's appearance since he scrutinized him through his glasses. Poor Sir Arthur said not a word, but his lordship was quite at ease, "From his name and from what Deane tells me I believe he is an ex-

j officer of the Indian army "Ah! He has left the service?" "Yes. I met him last in Hongkong. "Then you know him?" ? 'Quire well, if he is the man I imagine." - --i-ir !'!;.'' "That is really very nice of Ventnor," thought the shipowner. "The last thing I should credit him with would be a forgiving disposition." Meanwhile Anstruther was reading Iris a little lecture. "Sweet one," he explained to her, "do not allude to me by my former rank. I am not entitled to it. Some day, please God, it will be restored to me. At present I am a plain civilian, and, by the way, Iris, during the next few days say nothing about our mine." "Oh, why not?" "Just a personal whim. It will please me." "If it pleases you, Robert, I am satisfied." He pressed her arm by way of answer. , They were too near to the waiting trio for other comment. "Captain Fifcroy," cried Iris, "let me Introduce Mr. Anstruther to jou. Lord Ventnor, you have met Mr. Anstruther before." The sailor shook hands. Lord Ventnor smiled affably. "Your enforced residence on the is land seems to have agreed with you, he said. "Admirably. Life here had its draw backs, but we fought our enemies in the open. Didn't we, Iris?" "Yes, dear. The poor Dyaks were not sufficiently modernized to attack us with false testimony." His lordship's sallow face wrinkled somewhat. So Iris knew of the court martial, nor was she afraid to proclaim to all the world that this man was her lover. As for Captain Fitzroy, his bushy eyebrows disappeared into his peaked cap when he heard the manner of their speech. Nevertheless Ventnor smiled again. "Even the Dyaks respected Miss Deane," he said. But Anstruther, sorry for the manifest uneasiness of the shipowner, repressed the retort on his lips and forthwith suggested that they should walk to the north beach in the first instance, that being the scene of the wreck. During the next hour he became auditor rather than narrator. It was Iris who told of bis wild tight against wind and waves; Iris who showed them where he fought with the devilfish; Iris who expatiated on the long days of ceaseless toil, his dauntless courage in the face of even difficulty, the way in which he rescued her from the clutch of the savages, the skill of his preparations against the anticipated attack and the last great achievement of all, when time after time he foiled the Dyaks' best laid plans and flung them off, crippled and disheartened, during the many phases of the thirty hours' battle. There were tears in her eyes when she ended, but they were tears of thankful happiness, and, Lord Ventnor, iitit$ listener Wiwuissetiieithfjf word nor look, felt a deeper chilMn his cold heart as he realized that this woman's love could never be his. The knowledge excited his passion the more. His hatred of Anstruther now became a mania, an insensate resolve to mortally stab this meddler who always stood in his path. Robert hoped that his present ordeal was over. It had only begun. He was called on to answer questions without number. Why had the tunnel been made? What was the mystery of the valley of death? How did he manage to guess the dimensions of the sundial? How came he to acquire such an amazing stock of out of the way knowledge of the edible properties of roots and trees? How? Why? Where? When? They never would be satisfied, for not even the British navy, poking its nose Into the recesses of the world, often comes across such au amazing story as the adventures of this couple on Rainbow island. He readily explained the creation of quarry and cave by .telling them of the vein of antimony imbedded in the rock near the vault. Antimony is one of the substances that covers a multitude of doubts. No one, not excepting the doctors who use it, knows much about it, and in-Chinose medicine it might be a chief factor of exceeding nastiness. Inside the cavern the existence of the partially completed shaft to the ledge accounted for recent disturb ances on the face of the rock, and newcomers could not, of course, distinguish the bones of poor "J. S." as being the remains of a European. Anstruther was satisfied that none of them hazarded the remotest guess as to -the value of the gaunt rock they were staring at, and chance helped him to baffle further inquiry. A. trumpeter on board the Orient was blowing his lungs out to summon them to luncheon when Captain Fitzroy put a final query. T can quite understand," he said to Robert, "that you have an affection for this weird. place, but I am curious to know why you lay claim to the ishindV You can hardly intend to return here." He pointed to Robert's placard stuck on the rock. Anstruther paused before he answered, ne felt that Lord Ventnor's dark eyes were fixed on him. Everybodv was more less, desirous to have.

CONTINUED FROM LAST SUNDAY

tnis pomt cleared up. lie io.jis.eu. Liicquestloner squarely in the fuee. "In some parts of the world." he slid, "there are sunken reefs, unknown, uncharted, or which many a vessel has been lost without any contributory fault on the part of her oSeers." "Undotibrodly." "Well, Captain Fitzroy, when I was stationed with my resiment in Hong kong I encountered such a reef and t wrecked my life on it. At least that is how it seemed to me then. Fortune xnrew me asnore nere alter a Jons ana bitti submergence. You can hardly blame me if I cling to the tiny speck of land that gave iae salvation." "No," admitted the sailor. He knew there was something more in the allegory than the text revealed, but it was no business of his. "Moreover," continued Robert smilingly, "you see I have a partner." "There cannot 1 e the slightest doubt fcbout the partner," was the prompt reThen every one laughed, Iris more than any, though Sir Arthur Deane's gayety was forced, and Lord Ventnor could taste the acidity of his own smile. Later in the day the first lieutenant told his chief of Anstruther's voluntary statement concerning the court martial. Captain Fitzroy was naturally pained by this unpleasant revelation, but he took exactly the same view as that expressed by the first lieutenant in Robert's presence. Nevertheless he pondered the matter and seized anearlj opportunity of men tioning it to Lord Ventnor. That distinguished nobleman was vastly surprised to learn how Anstruther had cut the ground from beneath his feet. "Yes," he said, in reply to the sailor's request for information, "I know all a&out it. It could not well be otherwise, seeing that next to Mrs. Costobell I was the principal witness against him." "That must have been awkward for you," was the unexpected comment. "Indeed! Why?" "Because rumor linked your name with that of the lady in a somewhat outspoken way." "You astonish me. Anstruther certainly made some stupid allegations during the trial, but I had nO idea he was able to spread this malicious report subsequently." "I am not talking of Hongkong, my lord, but of Singapore, mouths later." Captain Fitzroy's tone was exceeding dry. Indeed, some people might deem it offensive. His lordship permitted himself the rare luxury of au angry scowl. "Rumor is a lying jade at the best," he said curtly. "You must remember, Captain Fitzroy, that I have uttered no word of scandal about Mr. Anstruther, and any doubts concerning his conduct can be set at rest by perusing the records of his case in the adjutant general's office at Hongkong." "Hum!" said the sailor, turning on his heel to enter the chart room. The girl and her fatho went back to the island with Robert. After taking thought the latter decided to ask Mir Jan to remain in possession until he returned. There was not much risk of another Dyak invasion. The fate of Taung S'AIi's expedition would not encourage a fresh set of marauders, and the Mohammedan would be well armed to meet unforeseen contingencies, while on his (Anstruther's representations the Orient would land an abundance of stores. In any event it was better for the native to live in freedom on Rainbow island than to be handed over to the authorities as an escaped convict, which must be his immediate fate no matter what magnanimous view the government of India might afterward take of his services. Mir Jan's answer was emphatic. He took off his turban and placed it on Anstruther's feet. "Sahib," he said. "I am your dog. If some day I am found worthy to be your faithful servant, then shall I know that Allah has pardoned my transgressions." 1 In spite of himself Sir Arthur Deane could not help liking Anstruther. The lie looked the questioner squarely in the face. man was magnetic, a hero, an ideal gentleman. No wonder his daughter was Infatuated with him. Yet the future was dark f.nd torm tossed, full of sinister threats and complications. Iris did not know the wretched circumstances which had come to pass since they parted and which had changed the whole aspect of his life. How could he tell her? Why should it be his miserable lot to snatch the cup of haptdness. from her iips?- -In that -moment

of silent agony he wisnea ne were dead, for death alone could remove the burden laid on him. Well, surely he might bask in the sunshine of her laughter for another day. No need to embitter her joyous heart until he waj driven to it by dire necessity. So he resolutely brushed aside the woebegone phantom of care and entered into the abandon of the hour with a rest that delighted her. The j dear girl imagined that Robert, her j -Robert, had made another speedy contruest, and Anstruther himself was much elated by the sudden change in Sir Arthur Deane's demeanor. They behaved like school children on a picnic. They roared over Iris troubles in the matter of divided skirts, too much divided to be at all pleasant. The shipowner tasted some of her sago bread and vowed it was excellent. They unearthed two bottles of champagne, the last of the case, and promised each other a hearty toast at dinner. Nothing would content Iris but that they should draw a farewell bucketful of water from the well and drench the pitcher plant with a torrential shower. , Robert carefully secured the pocketbooks, money and other effects found on then dead companions. The baronet, of course, knew all the principal otiieers of the Sirdar. He surveyed these mournful relics with sorrowful interest. "The Sirdar was the crack ship of my fleet and Captain Ross my most trusted commander," he said. "You may well imagine, Mr. Anstruther, what a cruel blow it was to lose such a vess'el, with all these people on board and my only daughter among them. I wonder now that it did not kill me." "She was a splendid sea boat, sir. Although disabled, she fought gallantly against the typhoon. Nothing short of a reef would break her up." "Ah, well." sighed the shipowner, "the few timbers you have shown me here are the remaining assets out of 300,000." "Was she not insured?" inquired Robert. "No that is, I have recently adopted a scheme of mutual self insurance, and the loss falls pro rata on my other vessels." - - The baronet glanced covertly at Iris, 'yhe words conveyed little meaning to her. Indeed, she broke in with a laugh: "I am afraid I have heard you say, father dear, that some ships in the fleet paid you best when they ran ashore." "Yes, Iris. That often happened in the old days. It is different now. Moreover, I have not told you the extent of my calamities. The Sirdar was lost on March 18, though I did not know it for certain until this morning. But on March 25 the Bahadur was sunk in the Mersey during a fog, and three days later the Jemadar turned turtle on the James and Mary shoal in the; nooghly. Happily there were no lives lost in either of these cases." Iris was appalled by this list of casualties, yet she gave no thought to the serious financial effect of such a string of catastrophes. Robert, of course, appreciated this side of the business, especially in view of the shipowner's re mark about the insurance. But sir Arthur Deane's stiff upper lip deceived him. He failed to realize that the father was acting a part for his daughter's sake. Oddly enough, the baronet did not seek to discuss with them the legal looking document affixed near the cave. It claimed all rights in the island in their joint names, and this was a topic I he wished to avoid. For the time, I therefore, the younT man had no opportunity of taking him into his confidence, and Iris held faithfully to her promise of silence. The girl's ragged raiment, sou'wester and strong boots were already packed away on board. She now rescued the Bible, the battered tin cup, her revolver and the rifle which had "scared" the Dyaks when they nearly caught Anstruther and Mir Jan napping. Robert also gathered for her an assortment of Dyak hats, belts and arms, including Taung S'AIi's parang and a sumpitan. These were her trophies, the spoils of the campaign. His concluding act was to pack two of the empty oil tins with all the valuable lumps of auriferous quartz he could find where he shot the rubbish from the cave beneath the trees. On top of these he placed some antimony ore, and Mir Jan, wondering why the sahib wanted the stuff, carried the consignment to the waiting boat. Lieutenant Playdon, in command of the last party of sailors to quit the island, evidently-expected Mir Jan to accompany them, but Anstruther explained that the man would await his return some time in June or July. Sir Arthur Deane found himself speculating on the cause of this extraordinary resolve, but, steadfast to his policy of avoiding controversial matters, said nothing. A, few words to the captain procured enough stores to keep the Mohammedan for six months at least, and while these were being landed the question was raised how best to dispose of the Dyaks. The commander wished to consult the convenience of his guests. "If we go a little out of our way and land them in .Borneo," he said, "they will be hanged without troubling you further. If I take them to Singapore they will be tried on your evidence and sent to penal servitude. Which is It to ber It was Iris who decided. "I cannot bear to think of more lives being sacrificed," she protested. "Perhaps if these men are treated mercifully and sent to their homes after some piniishment their example may serve as a deterrent to others." So it was settled that way. The anchor rattled up to its berth, and the Orient; turned her head toward Singapore.. Ashe steadily passed away intr the rfaeneninar. axmw'tlie .eirl rnd her

iover watched the familiar outlines or

Rainbow island growing dim in the evening light. For a long while they could see Mir Jan's tall, thin figure motionless on a rock at the extremity of Europa point. Their hut. the reef, the lodge, came into view as the cruiser swung round to a more northerly course. Iris had thrown an arm across her father's shoulders. The three were left alone Just then, and they were silent for many minutes. At last the flying miles mersred the solitary palm beyond the lagoon with the foliage on the ciiff. The wide cleft of ITospeet park grew less distinct. Mir Jan's white clothed figure was lost in the dark background. The island was becoming vague, dreamlike, a blurred memory. "Kobert," said the girl devoutly, "God has been very good to us. Do you remember this hour yesterday?" she murmured. "How we suffered from ihirst; how the Dyaks began their second attack from the ridge; how you climbed down the ladder and I followed you? Oh, father, darling." she went on impulsively, tightening her grasp, "you will never know bow bra ye be was; how enduring; how he risked all for me and cheered me to the end." "I think I am beginning to understand now," answered the shipowner, averting bis eyes lest Iris should see the tears in them. Their Calvary was ended, they thought. Was It for him to lead them again through the sorrowful way? It was a heartrending task that lay before him, a task from which his soul revolted. He refused even to attempt it. The explanation of the shipowner's position was painfully simple. Being a daring yet shrewd financier, he perceived in the troubled condition of the far east a magnificent opportunity to consolidate the trading influence of his company. He negotiated two big loans, one of a semiprivate nature to equip docks and railways in the chief maritime province of China, the other of a more public character with the government of Japan. All his own resources, together with those of his principal directors and shareholders, were devoted to these objects. Contemporaneously he determined to stop paying heavy insurance premiums on his fleet and make it self supporting on the well known mutual principle. His vessels were well equipped, well manned, replete with every modern improvement . and managed- with great commercial skill. In three or four years, given ordinary trading, luck, he must have doubled his own fortune. No sooner were all his arrangements completed than three of his best ships went down, saddling his company with an absolute loss of nearly 000,000 and seriously undermining his financial credit. A fellow director, wealthy and influential, resigned his seat on the board and headed a clique of disappointed stockholders. At once the fair sky became overcast. Sir Arthur Deane's energy and finan cial skill might have enabled him to weather thjs unexpected gale were It not for the apparent loss of his beloved daughter with the crack ship of his line. Half frenzied with grief, he bade his enemies do their worst and allowed his affairs to get into hopeless confusion while he devoted himself wholly to the search for Iris and her companions. At this critical juncture Lord Ventnor again reached his side. His lordship possessed a large private for tune and extensive estates. He was prudent withal and knew how. admirably the shipowner's plans wTould develop if given the necessary time. He offered the use of his name and money. He more than filled the gap created by the hostile ex-director. People argued that such a clever man, just returning from the far east after accomplishing a public mission of some importance, must be a reliable guide. The mere cabled intelligence of his intention to Join the board restored confidence and credit. But there was a bargain. If Iris lived she must become the Countess of Ventnor. His lordship was weary of peripatetic lovemaking. It was high time he settled down in life, took an Interest in the legislature and achieved a position In the world of affairs. He had a chance now. The certain success of his friend's project, the fortunate "T'ou rcill all be paupers. completion of his own diplomatic undertaking, marriage with a beautiful and charming woman these items would consolidate his career. His heart was set on Iris. He seized the first opportunity that presented itself to make Sir Arthur Iesrs erT35itfid with a decision al-f

nil- itWIiC

ready dreaded Dy the unrortunate shipowner. Iris must either abandon her infatuation for Anstruther or bring about the ruin of her father. There was no mean. "If she declines to become Countess of Ventnor she can marry whom sh likes, as you will all be paupers together, was the earl's caustic suuiUiius up. Thi brutal argument rather overshot the mark. The shipowner's face flushed with anger, and Lord Ventnot hastened to retrieve a false step. 1 didn't exactly mean to put it thai way. Deans, but my temper is a littU short these days. My position on board this ship is intolerable. As u matter ol fair dealing to me you should put a stop to your daughter's attitude toward Anstruther ou the ground that her engagfuicut is neither approved of by you nor desirable under any consideration. Jt may be assumed from this remark that even the eurl's sardonic tempei was ruHled by the girl's outrageous behavior. Nor was it exactly pleasant to him to note how steadily Anstruthei advanced in the favor of every officer on the ship. By tacit consent the court martial wa tabooed, at any rate until the Orieut reached Singapore. Every one knew that the quarrel lay between Robert and Ventnor, and it is not to b wondered at if Iris influence alone were sufficient to turn the scale in'favor of her lover. The shipowner refused point blank to Interfere in any way during the voyage. "You promised your co-operation In business even If we found that the Sirdar had gone down with all hands, hi retorted bitterly. "Do you wish me to make my daughter believe she baa come back into ray life only to bring me irretrievable ruin? "That appears to be the result, no matter how you may endeavor to dlv guise it." "I thought the days were gone when a man would wwu to marry a woman against her will." "Nonsense! What does she know about It? The glamor of this island romance will soon wear off. It would be different if Anstruther were able to maintain her eveu decently. He la an absolute beggar, I tell you. Didn't h ship on your vessel as a steward? Take my tip, Deane. Tell him how matters stand with you, and he will cool off.

CHAPTER XVII. IR ARTHUR DEANE was sitting alone in his cabin In a state of deep dejection when S and Robert entered. "Can you give m half an hour?" he asked. "I have something to say to you before we land." The shipowner silently motioned him to a seat. "It concerns Iris and myself," con tinued Anstruther. "I gathered from your words when we met on the island that both you and Lord Ventnor regarded Iris us his lordship's promised bride. From your point of view the arrangement was perhaps natural and equitable, but since your daughter left Hongkong it happens that she and I have fallen in love with each other. No; please listen to me. I am not here to urge my claims on you. I won her fairly and Intend to keep her were the whole bouse of peers opposed to me. At this moment I want to tellyou, ber father, why she could never, even under other circumstances, marry Lord Ventnor.' Then he proceeded to place before the astounded baronet a detailed history of his recent career. It was a sordid story of woman' perfidy twice told. It carried conviction In every sentence. ' At the conclusion Sir Arthur bowed his head between his bands. "I cannot choose "but believe you, he admitted huskily. "Yet how came vou to be so unjustly convicted .by a tribunal composed of your brother officers?" "They eould not hejptbetnselves. To acquit me meant thatthey discredited the sworn testimony not only of my colonel's wife, but of the civil head of an important government mission, not to mention some bought Chinese evidence." "But you are powerless now. Tou can hardly hope to have yonr case revised. What chance is there that your name will ever be cleared?" "Mrs. Costobell can-do it If she wilL The vagaries of such a woman are not to be depended on. .-If ..Lord. Ventnor has cast her off her hatred may prove stronger than her passion. Anyhow, I should be the last man to despair of God's providence. Compare the condition of Iris and myself today with our plight on the ledge!" The shipowner sighed heavily. "I hope your faith will be justified. If it is not the more likely thing to happen do I understand that my daughter and you intend to get married whether I give or withhold my sanction?" Anstruther rose and opened the door. T have ventured to tell you," be said, "why she should not marry Lord Ventnor. When I come to you and ask you for her, which I pray may be soon, it will be time enough to answer that question should you then decide to put it." It must be remembered that Robert knew nothing whatever of the older man's predicament, while the baronet, full of his own troubles, was ' in no mood to take a reasonable vie. -" Anstruther's position. , (To be Continued Next Sunday.) 'Phone or write a card to the Palladium of the little piece of news your neighbor told you and get your name in ths news tip" contest for tbia week.